Knights Defeat Rangers 5-2 in Game Three
Published on April 24, 2012 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release
Two goals from defenseman Olli Maatta led the London Knights to a 5-2 win over the Kitchener Rangers on Tuesday night. Tyler Randell and Eric Ming recorded goals for the Rangers in the loss. With the victory, the Knights take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Final series.
The Knights took an early advantage, scoring on their first shot on goal, just 1:19 into the first period. Jared Knight fired a long shot that floated past the blocker-side shoulder of Kitchener goaltender John Gibson to record his first of this series. The veteran winger's fourth of playoffs was assisted by Matt and Ryan Rupert.
London extended its lead 10 minutes later, as Jarred Tinordi's pass found Tyler Ferry in the slot and he fired it over the glove hand of Gibson. Ferry, who scored the overtime winner in Game 1, has two goals in these playoffs. Brett Cook also picked up an assist on the play.
The Rangers quickly cut their deficit in half. Just over 30 seconds later Andrew Crescenzi dug the puck out from behind the net and moved it in front to Tyler Randell. His quick shot beat Michael Houser, bringing his postseason goal total to seven. Josh Sterk was credited with a helper, his first career playoff point.
The Knights out-shot the Rangers 20-8 in the opening 20 minutes.
Two quick goals from Olli Maatta put London up 4-1 in the second period. First, the Finland-native held the blueline and moved into a shooting lane, using Ferry in front as a screen to fire the puck into the top corner of the Kitchener net. His third of the postseason was assisted by team scoring leader Seth Griffith and Ferry.
His second of the night came 22 seconds later when Austin Watson fed the rearguard in front and he lifted it over the right shoulder of Gibson. Chris Tierney also picked up a helper on the play. Maatta moved into a tied for the Knights' scoring lead with his 16th playoff point.
That goal would end the Ranger netminder's night as the club elected to make a change after Gibson allowed four goals on 29 shots. Franky Palazzese entered the game in relief, making his second appearance of the playoffs.
Kitchener cut into the Knights' lead before the end of the second period. Ryan Murphy carried the puck down the wing and passed across to Eric Ming. The sophomore winger got Houser moving before he shifted around the goaltender and backhanded a pass into the open side of the net. His third of the playoffs was also assisted by Ben Fanelli.
London continued to lead shots on goal with an 11-8 advantage in the middle frame.
With less than one minute to play, Ryan Rupert found the empty Rangers net to lift London to a 5-2 victory. His fourth of the playoffs was assisted by Watson and Scott Harrington.
The Knights led shots on goal 11-7 in the third and finished with a 42-23 overall advantage. Palazzese stopped all 12 pucks he faced in relief of Gibson.
London takes a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Final, which shifts back to Kitchener on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00pm.
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